- The US and UK have signed a first-of-its-kind memorandum of understanding to jointly target scam centers involved in crypto and cyber-enabled investment fraud
- Reported US losses from crypto investment fraud surged 89% to $8.65 billion between 2023 and 2025, according to the DOJ
- The agreement expands the Scam Center Strike Force targeting Chinese organized crime networks operating primarily in Southeast Asia
- International raids have already yielded results, including a Dubai-led operation that led to 276 arrests and the closure of at least nine crypto scam centers
- Myanmar’s parliament has approved legislation imposing sentences from 10 years to life for digital currency fraud, with the death penalty possible in cases involving killings
The United States and United Kingdom announced Thursday a joint law enforcement alliance targeting scam centers involved in crypto and cyber-enabled investment fraud, marking what the DOJ called a first-of-its-kind international cooperation agreement. The memorandum of understanding was signed by the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, the Crown Prosecution Service of England and Wales and the UK National Crime Agency.
Under the agreement, agencies will conduct parallel investigations into common targets and share intelligence on organized crime syndicates. Authorities have already identified overlapping cases and plan an in-person disruption operation with private-sector partners in London in early October.
Reported US losses from crypto investment fraud climbed 89% from $4.57 billion in 2023 to $8.65 billion in 2025. The pact expands the Scam Center Strike Force, which US Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro launched in November 2025 to target Chinese organized crime networks operating scam centers primarily in Southeast Asia.
Those schemes include crypto investment fraud and are often linked to human trafficking and money laundering. The task force includes the FBI, US Secret Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations and Justice Department offices.
International authorities have already coordinated significant raids against similar operations. On April 29, the DOJ reported a Dubai police-led operation involving the FBI and China’s Ministry of Public Security that resulted in 276 arrests and the closure of at least nine crypto scam centers.
Meanwhile, Southeast Asian governments are pursuing tougher domestic measures. On May 15, Myanmar’s military government released draft legislation proposing sentences from 10 years to life in prison for digital currency fraud, with the death penalty possible when people coerced into working at scam centers were killed. Parliament approved the bill on July 28, though presidential assent had not been confirmed.
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